Richard Jenkins and Bradley Whitford have climbed aboard Cabin in the Woods, the MGM/UA horror project written by Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard, who also will serve as director.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Cabin in the Woods story line provides a new twist on a classic scenario -- in this case the young-people-stranded-in-the-woods horror trope.

"It's really just your basic typecasting: When you need two actors to run through the woods in low-cut nighties, you immediately think of Richard Jenkins and Bradley Whitford," Goddard joked.

Whedon said the casting signals what kind of movie they are hoping to make. "They're the first proof that though 'The Cabin in the Woods' is a classic horror film, it isn't one you've seen before."

While the studio and filmmakers were loath to provide character details, it is understood that Jenkins and Whitford will play white-collar co-workers with a mysterious connection to the cabin.

The UA production is prepping for a spring shoot and will open wide Feb. 5, 2010, with MGM distributing.